BYU vs. SMU in Dallas, scouting

Football
1

Repeat after me: Stone, Smith, Maryland…Stone Smith Maryland.
QB Stone- 308 yds vs Nv… started both halves in the Houston Christian game. great field vision
Smith, 5’10 Sr. has elite rushing speed, averages 8.8 ypc.
Maryland, 6’4 Jr. 19 ypc.

SMU joined the ACC this year. looking to improve on their 11-3 American conference record, return most of their talent from the 2023 season.

SMU, On D, they run and 4-2 defense in the box but will stack the line on perceived run plays.
On O, Stone is a savvy veteran would choose not to run the ball, broke his leg in Nov last year. His backup, Jennings was 10-14 for 148 yds in the HCU game and can flat out run, accurate duel threat QB.

BYU, had their way vs. SIU but scored nothing in the second when SiU changed from a 3-4 to a 4-3 D in the box. Hmmmmm

Game is in Dallas, advantage SMU
When SMU has the ball? They really struggled running the ball vs. a good NV defense but blew out HCU. Can BYU hold the line on defense because RB Smith is a speed burner.
I say, BYU will not hold SMU under 100 yds rushing.
In the air. Stone have great field vision but not too mobile…vs. BYU’s D? advantage SMU

When BYU has the ball. SMU runs a 4-2 in the box, BYU should be able to rush on them. Advantage BYU. When SMU stacks the line, should open passing lanes, Retziaff has great receivers if he has time. for me, a toss up.

Special teams, advantage SMU

Vegas line:
SMU -11.5, that will tighten as the week progresses.
BYU is better then the spread. This feels more like a 3 point game.

24-21 SMC, sorry guys

2

I know the game looked a little sloppy at times, but as Lavell use to say, “it’s the first game!”
Meaning that sometimes, it takes a game or so to get the jitters, anxiety, or whatever out of the players systems, because during camp, you really never know how good or bad you are going up against the team-mates.

That is why Lavell always said the biggest improvement is from game 1 to game 2, hopefully that stand true for this team.

I was not as impressed with our O-line, I did not see a lot of push or holes opening up, why else would they be trying to run end arounds?

3

The Oline projected Retzlaff well. They also blocked well too. The RBs missed wholes and often went the wrong way. Watching film should help a lot.

4

to my point

BYU Football Opens as Double-Digit Underdog Against SMU (msn.com)

5

Your point is well taken. We have to realize we can’t keep recruiting the same talent we have in the past with a few exceptions. Playing real powerhouse teams week in and week out requires more 4 and 5 star players and a much deeper team for the lines on both sides. Basketball is doing this. Football has to as well. We seem to be deeper this year. No injuries last week. SMU will be a higher level of competition and depth. We will know more next Monday :grin:

6

Well, Kalani is on top of it, he changed his recruiting strategy after last year, and with the assistance of Jay Hill.

BYU football: How did Cougars fare on National Signing Day? – Deseret News

I think that is why we getting more and more of the 4–5-star players now, like Cody Hagen (saw him the game, The Prassas (sp?) kid, etc.

I found the article interesting, especially when Kalani said he wanted to recruit kids that can play “today”. Saturday’s game, there were 8 true freshman that got into the game.

7

Kinda tells me that recruits and players like Arod and Kalani. Eventually, the upgrade in recruiting will help being in the Big16.

8

And yet, rankings show that BYU has not moved the needle even a little bit. Notice who is ranked above and below us? Things have not changed in 30 years
Ranking 134 college football teams after Week 1, from Georgia to Temple - The Athletic (nytimes.com)
Nv. and SDSU.

having said that. BYU beats SMU, we jump 20 spots easy.
Do I think BYU is #78? All depends on our O and Dlines. I like our skill players, Sitake tells us that we are back at Linebacker, our DBs is really good and really going to be tested this Friday night.

9

I would expect us not to move the needle right now due to the fact we have only changed the recruiting process the past year or two.

Maybe I am being a bit of a Pollyanna about this issue, but I would give Kalani at least another year or two to see how his new system works out.

Does this site compare where BYU was in 2020 vs 2024? I would like to see where the trend is heading.

According to the 247Sports Composite team rankings for the last four years are:
2020: Ranked 82nd
2021: Ranked 70th
2022: Ranked 57th
2023: Ranked 52nd

As you can see, the ranking is moving in the right direction, at least according to 247Sports.

10

Sometimes you learn more about your team by listening to the opposing coach than you get from our BYU media.
Everything Rhett Lashlee said previewing SMU-BYU (msn.com)

Rhett Lashlee, SMU coach on the game prep. What BYU does well. And specifically, on his friendship with Kalani. A whole lotta respect there.

11

Thank goodness this game is on ESPN2 and not the dreadful ESPN+!!!
How to watch SMU vs. BYU: Live stream, TV channel, Time (msn.com)

12

Well, Direct TV is suspending ESPN right now for contract negotiations. Can’t even watch the U.S. Open right now.

13

According to the news, Direct TV has a “dispute” with Disney (which own ESPN).

Doesn’t Direct TV have a “dispute” with a lot of companies?

14

Very aggravating!

15

I find the timing of all of this, “Very Interesting”…

16

So, Jim’s conspiracy is correct. ESPN and Direct TV are conspiring against the Church. It’s the commie for sure!

17

I think it’s SMU 31-BYU 24, and hoping I’m wrong.

18

Chris, thanks for the article about Lashlee. Seems like a solid guy. Lots of respect for Kalani and for BYU.

When I think of SMU I think of Craig James and one of the biggest egos on planet earth. Lashlee seems like the exact opposite.

19

I think we plug up the holes and Friday win 45-17.

20

BYU vs. SMU Prediction (msn.com)